Patrick Family Blog

Barn Day

2012-02-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

Another lazy weekend, still recovering from the nasty cold bug. The kids and I got out and spent Sunday afternoon visiting with our favorite pony!

The Famous Valentine Fox???

2012-02-07T20:31:00.000-05:00

Look who we ran into at dinner tonight! Everyone's heard of the Valentine's Fox, right???

100 Day

2012-02-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

In preparation for Max's big pirate birthday coming up next month, we decided to stick with the theme for his 100 Day Party Hat for school this week. He picked out this great hat and we glued 100 dubloons on it. It be a hit with his mateys! ARGH!

See Kinsey's 100 Day Hat here

GIANT game!

2012-02-05T22:02:00.000-05:00

We had a very nice, relaxed night watching the SuperBowl with our good pals. It's a sad truth when you are so excited that the house empties just after halftime and everyone can still be in PJ's before 9:00. Such is this sweet life!

Lazy Puzzle Day

2012-02-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

So Kinsey and I haven't been feeling 100% so we decided to stay home Sunday morning and put together this fun puzzle. It was such a sweet, lazy morning!

Go Glads!

2012-02-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Saturday night, we got hooked to hockey big time! We loaded up a party bus with the Gilland and Guthrie Gangs and headed out for food, fun and LOTS of fighting! We had an awesome night watching the Gwinnett Gladiators battle it out with my hometown Greenville team, winning in an exciting shoot out. Jack and the kids even sported some replica jerseys. This will definitely be back in our agenda this winter!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2012-02-03T19:52:00.002-05:00

Time for the Father/Daughter dance again at Kinsey's school. She looked like a princess in her flower girl dress from Hillary's wedding and Jack bought her a beautiful corsage to match. The pair had the time of their lives while meanwhile, Max, Nan, and Granddaddy were watching what had to be the most exciting game in middle school basketball history as my team took it's third straight championship in a nail-biter, double-overtime win! Way to go Bolts!

The Story of Joe

2012-02-01T19:55:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows us knows this precious paint pony has been a part of our lives for almost two years now. We first met him at Kinsey's 6th birthday party and she has been riding him ever since. His owner recently decided she had outgrown him and much to our liking, "My Pinto Bean" became available for lease--much more up our alley at this point in our lives. So as of February 1st, we welcome this sweet little guy into our Patrick family for 2012.

Bowling Bash

2012-01-22T20:05:00.000-05:00

What a GREAT day celebrating Thomas' 5th birthday at the bowling alley! Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

AAHJA Banquet

2012-01-22T09:19:00.004-05:00

Last night was the year-end banquet for the Athens Area Hunter Jumper Association at the Country Club. The girls wer so cute all dressed up and had a wonderful time celebrating their accomplishments, hanging out, and dancing the night away. Our little horse girl walked away with Reserve Champion in the Prebeginner Class but also earned enough points to receive a big tenth place ribbon in the next category up. Congratulations to all the riders!

Lady Warriors

2012-01-14T16:48:00.004-05:00

This was the perfect way to end my fun, but busy birthday week--with these sweet girls. They played a great game against a much better team and really stepped it up. I'm so proud of them all!

Corn Dawgs 2012

2012-01-08T17:27:00.003-05:00

Our annual trip to Loganville to the Corn Dawgs ice skating rink with the Griner Gang. What fun!

After a little while with the "training wheels" Max was getting pretty good. Click HERE to see the video.

They're Playing Basketball...

2012-01-08T17:23:00.002-05:00

Photos from Kinsey's first Upward basketball this weekend. She was a rockstar with 4 points! Way to go girl!

Outback Down South

2012-01-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

Jack and I got some last-minute tickets to see the Dawgs play in Tampa at the Outback bowl on Monday. We took a quick overnight trip with my pal, Erin. The dawgs lost and we weren't even there for 24 hours, but we had a wonderful time eating seafood at Chart House, playing slots at the Hard Rock Casino, and visiting the beautiful Buccanneer stadium. Still love my Bulldogs!

Happy New Years!

2012-01-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

2nd Annual Guthrie New Years Eve Bash!

Lots of eating, smore-making, Just Dance 3 playing, and sparkler twirling this year. Bring it on 2012!

Putman Christmas

2011-12-30T07:46:00.000-05:00

Well, another great Chrismtas in the books. We spent a great week and Nanny and Papadads with the Pitman crew and Granny enjoying lots of cousin madness! The kids had a blast with their new toys and playing (and fighting) with each other. We are so fortunate to have both all of family so close that we were able to see everyone over the holidays. We sure are blessed!

It's Christmas All Over Again

2011-12-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

So it turns out that Santa DID come by the Patrick household last night and the kids racked up a pretty nice haul! It was a great morning for everyone, including Ellie. Next stop, Patrick breakfast then Lake Keowee for Putman Christmas...

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Christmas festivities started Christmas Eve night with Nan, Granddaddy, Uncle Charlie, and Aunt Kathy coming over for a delicious chicken and dumpling dinner. We exchanged gifts after eating and had such a sweet and peaceful evening with dear family. After the house was empty, our elves again delivered some matching family pj's, we read out traditional Christmas tales and the story of the first Christmas and tucked away for the evening. Hope Santa comes tonight!!!

NPB2011

2011-12-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

It was another magical morning at the Griner's 3rd Annual North Pole Breakfast this year! The food was so yummy and the children did the entertaining this year with yet another re-enactment of Jesus' birth. What sweet kiddos they all were!

What a Lady!

2011-12-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

After a fun week of having Granny hang out with us, we surprised the birthday girl today with a 80th Birthday Celebration at Lake Keowee. I think she was definitely not expecting it! It was a great night of family and meeting new friends! Happy Birthday, Granny!

Live Nativity

2011-12-22T00:09:00.003-05:00

This year we were so sad that the live nativity in Bethlehem was cancelled due to threatening thunderstorms. Instead, we had supper at the Griners while the 4 kids put on their OWN version of a live nativity. Kinsey was Mary, Max was "Jofus," Jacob was Baby Jesus and John Scott was the narrator and musician.

We were at least able to keep the tradition of visiting the baby chicks and Jack's work however, which the kids always thoroughly enjoy!

Here We Come A'Caroling

2011-12-20T21:54:00.005-05:00

It's official!!! I am on Christmas break for the next 9 working days--woo hoo! To start off the holiday, I had a basketball Christmas party after school and then Kinsey and I hosted her Brownie Troop in a Christmas Caroling Party. We had pizza and cookies, beat the rain with a few rounds of caroling, then snuggled back up in the house for a little Christmas movie watching.

Hopefully, my first day will greet me with a couple of late sleepers. But I seriously doubt it! :)

Flower Girl and Banner Boy

2011-12-18T16:55:00.003-05:00

The kids were so fortunate to be able to be a part of my sweet friend Hillary's wedding this weekend. The whole event was just amazing--one of the prettiest wedding and receptions I've been to. The combination of beautiful wedding day, sweet service, and exquisite church and reception location in addition to the amazing colors and Christmas decor were just inspiring. And you couldn't have had a more GORGEOUS and happy bride! We all had the most fun all weekend, especially at the reception and the kids did so good at all the events! We love you Heery!

Polar Express PJ Party

2011-12-16T16:53:00.000-05:00

Deck the Hollow

2011-12-15T20:13:00.004-05:00

Fun "light night" out at Memorial Park Bear Hollow Zoo. Even got to see a Great Horned Owl.

Cubbies in Pajamas

2011-12-14T22:04:00.003-05:00

Tonight was the Cubbies "Happy Birthday Jesus" party at church. He has been waiting for this night for weeks!

Gingerbread 2011

2011-12-11T20:19:00.003-05:00

And so the tradition continues...

Christmas Bride

2011-12-11T20:07:00.003-05:00

Next weekend, my precious friend and co-worker Hillary (aka "Heery" and Heerily") will be Mrs. Chet Sanders!!! They have been waiting a long time for this exciting event and there is so much excitement as the day approaches. Kinsey and Max are equally excited as they are both going to be a part of their day.

Today, another M Bridge pal and I threw a Christmas Bridal Shower to Deck Hillary and Chet's Halls with holiday decor. We had a wonderful time eating, drinking, and being merry!

Journey to Bethlehem

2011-12-11T10:46:00.003-05:00

Every Christmas, we hook up with the Griner Gang to tackle our long list of Christmas traditions from light--seeing to gingerbread house decorating. We have a few traditions that are set in stone, but we like to try at least one thing a little different each year. So Saturday night, after a movie trip to see Arthur Chrismtas, we continued on our Tradition Mission by trying something we've never done before. It was called Journey to Bethlehem and it was this AMAZING trip back in time to the very first Christmas night. A church about 30 minutes away has been putting the even on for almost ten years and the amount of work and preparation that must go into it was unbelieveable! We began by singing some Christmas carols in the sanctuary and then we were taken outside to travel to Bethlehem. After paying our taxes, we walked through the village and stopped and spoke with the different merchants, and in search of a place to rest, we ended up in a field with the shepards and their animals and finally got see the Baby himself! It was a beautfiul adventure and of course the best part was seeing the wonder in the children's eyes and they absorbed the story and relived it firsthand. The journey was capped by some hot chocolate sipping and marshmallow roasting in the church courtyard and a little visit in a sweet prayer chapel.

"Breaktist" with Santa

2011-12-10T12:48:00.003-05:00

Our second year going to the Georgia Club to have breakfast with Santa included Nan and Granddaddy this year. As always, the food is delicious and the Santa is wonderful. We ran into a few buddies while we were there, too! :)

Cowboy Santa

2011-12-03T15:13:00.001-05:00

Who knew our first visit would be with this kind cowboy Santa that was waiting for us at the tack shop after Kinsey's riding lesson Saturday afternoon?!?

Christmas Parade

2011-12-03T15:11:00.001-05:00

Kinsey joined her Brownie buds Saturday morning to walk in her third Watkinsville parade.

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

2011-12-01T15:05:00.001-05:00

To ring in December, after school, work, and horseback lessons, Jack and I loaded the cutely-dressed kids up in the car, were joined by my sweet friend Hillary (more about her very soon!) and headed to Atlanta. The kids had no idea where we were going but guesses included Nan's, McDonalds, and Christmas lights. We got to the Fox Theater, which was covered in green lights and saw the window decorations of the Grinch, and with a little help they figured out that we were there to see Grinch: The Musical. What a cute show! It was a late night out, but we all had a really great time.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T22:22:00.004-05:00

Sadly, the break is coming to an end, but it was a wonderful long weekend filled with family, food, and FUN! Nanny, Papadad, and Granny came to Georgia for a visit this year to celebrate in our brand new kitchen that was just finished last week. Jack smoked a delicious turkey for us while we all pitched in the various sides and desserts. After the feast, we went to see the Muppets movie, which was too cute. Friday, we cybershopped in our pj's and then after Jack got off work we rode up to Keowee (via Commerce--hehe!) for the night.

Saturday, we got up early and drove up to Cashiers to a tree farm we've visited a few times and picked out our ENORMOUS fir. Headed into the very busy work week ahead, at least the house is decorated and we are getting ready for the upcoming holiday.

Oh, I'm Glad I'm Not a Turkey on Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-16T21:34:00.003-05:00

This morning Max had his big Feast Day at his preschool. The teachers and kids go all out for this event. They put on a precious little performance and then sat down to a huge turkey dinner. Thankful!

Red Ponies

2011-11-12T08:25:00.005-05:00

Kinsey's horse trainer, Emily, is a jack of all trades. She's an outstanding teacher and role model for the girls she trains. She's also a huge health and fitness buff and personal trainer. She maintains a very informative and challenging blog, redheadedgymrat.wordpress.com, and she also is an excellent photographer and has just started up her photography business, http://redponyphotography.com.

Last weekend she did some photos for us, ranging from family shots to shots of Kinsey and her favorite paint pony, Joe. I think she did an awesome job and can't wait to use her again!

Blessed Baby

2011-11-06T20:37:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful day it was for my precious cousin, Penson's, baptism in Atlanta. It was a sweet service and all the babies were perfect little angels. After a little church reception, we hit the town and headed for Atlanta Children's Museum for a while with cousin Graham and family until we headed back to Penson's for some delicious food and fellowship celebrating his big day. We love you little angel boy!

UGA Homecoming

2011-11-05T21:20:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful day tailgating and cheering on the Dawgs to a BIG win at the Homecoming game today. It was a picture-perfect autumn day!

Baby Ruth

2011-11-05T21:03:00.005-04:00

So, right now, he's not a MLB player in the making, but this guy sure has fun on the field! Here are some shots of the "less serious" side of Max. Hahaha!

More Owls

2011-11-01T20:45:00.002-04:00

The season is winding down and the boys are making great progress. Max loved having snack tonight as he handed down the precious owl cookies his Nan made!

50's Day

2011-11-01T20:43:00.003-04:00

In celebration of the 50th day of school, everyone at Max's preschool dressed in 50's attire and had ice cream floats and looked at antique cars.

Final Whistle

2011-10-30T20:31:00.004-04:00

This weekend was the last weekend of Tweetsie's season. Brrrr! It was FREEZING! Literally. It actually snowed Saturday morning and we had to wait until after lunch to go into the park it was so cold/windy/snowy. But we had a great time and tried to stay warm and we visited the very cozy fudge shop SEVERAL times throughout the afternoon. ;) Sunday morning we went out in Granny's commons area with Max's new bow and arrow and had some fun before heading home.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-27T17:07:00.000-04:00

Mickey Magic Mini-Vacay

2011-10-25T23:06:00.004-04:00

Pics from our long-weekend-getaway to the land of the merry mouse...

We had a beautiful trip eating dinner with Pluto and Goofy, riding Star Tours and Aerosmith (wish I had a pciture of Kinsey's face after that one) at Hollywood, playing pirate at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and watching Illuminations after a great day at Epcot.

FINALS WEEKEND!

2011-10-16T15:01:00.003-04:00

This was the last show weekend of the season and the setting was just about perfect! Kinsey, Nanny, and I spent the weekend in Conyers at the International Horse Park--location of the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events. Two days of showing, a big chili cookout and a gals night out pizza party were some of the highlights of the weekend. Kinsey did GREAT and got Reserve Champion both days of showing, finishing her show year as second overall in the points standing for which she will be recognized at a banquet this winter. We are so proud of our little horse girl and all of her friends and excited to see what next year will bring!

Go Owls!

2011-10-03T21:05:00.004-04:00

Max's first game of the season was a big success (even if his school day might not have been--but we'll leave that off the blog.) He had two solid hits and a really fun time. Post game snacks were a bonus, too! Way to go Big Max!

Fall Favorites

2011-10-02T20:31:00.006-04:00

This weekend marked the first of my favorite month of the year. And what a way to ring in October!

The Pitmans came down for a visit this weekend and we had lots of fun cousin time. Saturday morning, Kinsey had the last of her regular season horse shows. She did great again and ended up Champion of her division again and had a good show in the junior/adult beginner division as well.

Then it was off for some Bulldog action at Sanford Stadium sans kiddos. The Dawgs played a great game and made it worth out while and the weather could not have been more perfect.

After the game, we swung by the house and got the kids dressed in their orange and black and headed to the pumpkin patch for a perfect evening of farm fall fun. The kids had such a good time on the hay ride, cow train, jumping pillow, petting zoo, and corn maze. They were all sad to say goodbye, but we were all exhausted to the core!

Warm, wonderful memories were definitely made this gorgeous, chilly weekend!

Under/Over

2011-09-25T18:42:00.006-04:00

A fun school week with me in the dunking booth at my school's Big Bash Thursday night and Kinsey jumping verticals Friday night in her lesson.

It's a W!

2011-09-17T18:32:00.001-04:00

Finally got a win today for the Bulldogs. We had a fun time with Kelli and Judd eating, drinking, and talking horses and football.

Don't Stop Believing!!!

2011-09-17T18:30:00.001-04:00

Had an AWESOME night celebrating Jack and my dad's birthday at the Journey and Foreigner concert Friday night!

All in a day's work

2011-09-15T18:18:00.001-04:00

What a busy school year it has been so far. Today was a peak in craziness as my students presented their Biome Fashion Show projects and after school I traveled with my cross country team about 30 minutes away to a 400+ runner meet where my boys team took home first place! Is it the weekend yet?

My two favorite costumes for the Savanna Grassland biome group

Me not very excited to hold a snake, which was part of the Deciduous Forest biome

One of my students cleverly convinced the Chick Fil A cow to come be a part of our fashion show!

Way to go boys! Beat all the other teams by over 50 points!

Fall Ball

2011-09-12T21:04:00.003-04:00

We decided against another season of soccer this year and instead, Max showed an interest in baseball. So, Max is now a Volcano and is playing Coach's Pitch and loving it. Jack texted me from practice tonight that Max had hit a home run. Of course, I was shocked and asked for the details of the miracle and Jack replied "Don't be too impressed, it was only a 24" hit, it's just that no one got to it before Max ran all the bases!" Too cute!

It's Saturday in Athens

2011-09-11T18:23:00.005-04:00

So it's the weekend that we have been looking forward to for almost 9 months--the first home game of the Georgia football season! To add to the fun, it was Kinsey's last home horse show of the season as well and Nanny, Papadad, and Granny all came south for a little fall fun.

The weather was beautiful with a hint of cool autumn in the air. After a fun dinner and dessert outing Friday night, we rushed around Saturday morning getting Kinsey all geared up for her show. She had a great day, scoring Reserve Champ yet again in her Pre-Beginner class as well as raking in a 1st and 2nd in Jr. Beginner (which would have been enough points for at least Reserve in that class, had she been eligible.) She's really coming along in her jumping, but unfortunately, she won't get to jump in any shows this year so she can hopefully end up finishing the year in 1st place of her Pre-Beginner class (you can't canter or jump in a show and still be considered a "pre-beginner").

After her show, Jack and I had some fun adult time and a marvelous tailgate RIGHT next to the stadium and in the middle of the Dawg Walk. We had such fun with our pals and enjoying the beautiful weather and yummy food. Too bad the Dawgs had to blow the game at the end, but otherwise it was awesome!

Labor Day Getaway

2011-09-04T21:20:00.002-04:00

A quick little road trip to Charleston for the holiday weekend was filled with pool time, seafood, Blackbeard's Cove and The Children's Museum. Thanks Nanny, Papadad, and Granny!

Pearl E. White Strikes Again

2011-08-28T22:11:00.004-04:00

While we were in Atlanta last night, Kinsey lost her second tooth. She called to tell us and made it known that she REALLY hoped the tooth fairy would make a scavenger hunt for her like someone she knew. Pearl came through and took Kinsey on a coin-filled journey through the house which made for a fun morning before church. Also note-worthy was that Kinsey brought both Jack and I breakfast in bed this morning, and occurrence that has never happened before, but that I definitely could get used to! :)

Chicken Dance

2011-08-27T22:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the annual Night of Knights dinner and concert that the National Poultry Federation puts on. The guest of honor this year was Clint Black, one of my old country music favorites. He still puts on a wonderful show and Jack and I had a big time in the big ATL with our great friends!

FSF #2

2011-08-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

So, you can definitely tell that school has started back and that I have NOT quite yet learned to manage my time well enough to get my blog on! In addition to being tired and busy, there hasn't been a ton to blog about the past two weeks. It wouldn't have been too excited to blog about the broken washing machine and the dead dishwasher either! :P

This weekend was exciting and fun, though. Kinsey had another horse show, again at Four Seasons Farm in Madison, where her last one was. With a LITTLE luck and a nice judge, she ended up Reserve Championing her class and also coming out with a blue in the next division up! Just two more shows until the big one at the International Horse Park!!!

Townsends Take Over Keowee

2011-08-14T20:52:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful weekend it was to get together with my mom's side of the family with the special chance for many to meet the newest family member, Penson (I can't believe I don't even have one picture of the guest of honor!) We all had fun in the sun swimming, skiing, tubing, hot dogging, boating, floating, eating, laughing and remembering old times!

B2S 2011

2011-08-10T21:02:00.002-04:00

There was definitely excitement in the air as the kids headed off for school this morning. Kinsey hopped on the bus at 6:50 while Max decided he was a big boy and wanted to walk himself into his first day at preschool!

(Footnote: His tough guy attitude apparently wore off around lunch time, when he decided he missed his mommy and shed a few tears!)

GWL2011

2011-08-09T21:19:00.002-04:00

The kids had a "howling" good time at the Great Wolf Lodge again with cousin Thomas, Nanny and Papadad.

Go Big! Go Six Flags!

2011-08-02T21:16:00.000-04:00

The kids left for their annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge and for my last day of summer sans kids, I decided on a whim to go with two co-workers to Six Flags. Heat index of 105 didn't stop us from riding the big thrillers like Goliath, Acrophobia, Batman, Superman and of course the old standard Scream Machine. I have to admit, though, I was totally beat and a bit queezy the rest of the night after we got home! Stinks getting old! ;)

Silly Girls

2011-08-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

After we got home from our camping trip, Kinsey had another sleepover, but this time at sweet Maddie's house. Maddie has four brothers and these two girls had a ball dressing up in the boys' football uniforms!

Stone Mountain 2011

2011-08-01T10:19:00.003-04:00

One of our fav camp spots of last year was Stone Mountain and since we enjoy going there in the summer, for the Pumpkin Festival, and the Christmas Festival, we decided to get the annual membership again this year and make another go of camping. The campground is nice and quiet/wooded, had a nice pool and best of all has a shuttle that you can catch to all the attractions day or night. We had a busy fun weekend of SkyHike, putt-putt, swimming, grilling out and roasting marshmallows, Laser show #2, riding the Duck Boat, picnicking at the bottom of the mountain and riding the Sky Lift to the top of the mountain.

Today is laundry day and packing the kids up for the annual Nanny and Papadad trip to the Great Wolf Lodge this week and of course mentally preparing myself for BACK TO SCHOOL on Thursday--AGH!

Laser Show Fun

2011-07-29T08:23:00.002-04:00

The prequel to our big camping weekend in Stone Mountain. Tonight we had a ball with the sweet Smith family. Love you guys!

Pony Dreams

2011-07-27T14:57:00.003-04:00

Last night, Kinsey had her best horse riding pals over for a sleepover while Max had a sleepover with his Nan and Granddaddy. Us girls had a busy, fun time filled with movies, swimming, blueberry picking and of course a trip to the barn. Love those sweet girls!

41.65

2011-07-24T20:07:00.003-04:00

In honor of his FINALLY retiring after 41 years of service and in celebration of his 65th birthday, Granddaddy's coworkers put on an AMAZING surprise party for him (and 60 of his closest friends and family) this afternoon at Fort Yargo Park. It was a gorgeous day to be with him and recognize his accomplishments. The kids enjoyed playing with buddies and splashing in the lake while we enjoyed the fellowship and especially hearing the many testaments of how this wonderful man has impacted those all around him. Granddaddy, we love you and are so proud of you!

Four Seasons Farm

2011-07-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Show # 7 for the season. Kinsey and Joe with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd today!

MAG

2011-07-22T22:38:00.004-04:00

Tonight, we got back from Charleston and headed to downtown Monroe for the Monroe Art Guild's Summer Show. Kinsey has taken several art lessons the past two summers and with the help of her teacher, Ms. Susan and her Nan, she was able to enter three pieces into this show. We were all sooo excited and proud as the judges results were revealed. Out of 30 youth entries, 7 received Merit Awards, and Kinsey's Horse piece was one of them. Way to go!!!

Salt or Chlorine--we don't care!

2011-07-22T22:29:00.004-04:00

The kids have the most fun in the water when we're at in Charleston. Pool or beach, it doesn't seem to matter. We had a great time playing in the pool every afternoon and on our last full day, we spent the morning relaxing on Sullivan's. This is the life!!!

Playdate with Papadad

2011-07-20T22:13:00.000-04:00

Since Nanny was a little under the weather, the rest of us tried to get away for a bit today. We started our morning at the Children's Museum. The kids favs were playing dress up on the pirate ship and in the castle and of course the craft room.

In the afternoon, we headed a bit north to Whirlin' Waters water park for some sliding and tubing fun. We spent most of our time at the giant bucket climbing structure although Kinsey loved the tube slides and Max like the speed mat racers.

Arrrrgh! from SC

2011-07-19T19:01:00.002-04:00

So we've spent a lot of time eating seafood and playing in the pool on our trip. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous! Today we got out to the kids' favorite spot in town, Blackbeard's Cove (or just Pirate's Cove as they call it.) We rode go-karts, played putt-putt, climbed all over the "Poop Deck" and mostly spent our doubloons playing video games and trying to win big treasures with our tickets. Max loved his pirate costume while Kinsey opted for a giant Pixie Stick, a slinky and a stuffed pirate teddy bear.

Charleston Boats

2011-07-18T19:16:00.004-04:00

Friday, the kids and I (with Jack following later that day) headed eastward for what would probably be our last beach trip of the summer. *Sigh* We were so excited to have the lovely Lamb family join us for the beautiful, but short, weekend. Papadad took us on a great harbor tour complete with a run-in with a big pod of dolphins. Sunday, Jack took his babies to see the Yorktown aircraft carrier before he had to head back to work.

Happy ROCKIN' Birthday!

2011-07-11T12:05:00.003-04:00

After we got home from Michigan, Jack and I hit the ATL for a night out to celebrate his birthday late last month. We started the night with a stop to meet our sweet new cousin, Penson. What a handsome doll he was. Then we had dinner and went to The Fabulous Fox for a wonderful show, Broadway Musical Rock of Ages. It was a fun time singing along to all the 80's monster hits and watching the big-haired rockers jam on stage. And a bonus was that one of our fav American Idols from the past, Constantine Maroulis, was the lead of the show. Fun time!

Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park

2011-07-11T11:11:00.005-04:00

Saturday morning before our flight out, the Hudsons took us to this beautiful botanical garden. There were beautiful sculptures, including this world's largest horse and a children's garden that focused on the five senses. It was a gorgeous ending to a wonderful trip!

Baileau Oaks

2011-07-10T11:43:00.001-04:00

Pictures from the relaxing home of my aunt, uncle and cousins

Cherry Fesitval

2011-07-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

On our way back to the Hudson's house in Grand Rapids, we all decided it would be fun to take a little detour to Traverse City, a city most known for being the largest tart cherry producer in the country and of course its annual Cherry Festival. In Traverse City, we ambled the shops, had some lunch, and spent a few hours at the festival sampling cherry goods and riding the rides at the Cherry Festival fairgrounds.

Petoskey Ride

2011-07-08T10:58:00.000-04:00

Another highlight was our 10-mile ride back in the town of Petoskey on our last day there.

Petoskey Stones

2011-07-08T10:40:00.001-04:00

Another topic that deserves its own post, especially from the science teacher in me! :) I had heard of and researched these interesting rocks before our trip. They are rocks composed of fossilized coral that were formed during the Devonian period almost 400 million years ago and they are uniquely found in northern Michigan. So I knew before I went to Petoskey that I wanted to try to find one/some of these treasures, although I didn't know whether they were rare or easy to find. I ended up with some beginner's luck and found my first and best stone on my first hunt on the lake shore. We all ended up finding some others, beautiful and interesting, but none compared to my first find. I bought a rock polishing kit and Jack and the kids and I spent one afternoon on our porch making our beautiful stones shine. I must admit, I was pretty proud of my stone!

Lake Fun

2011-07-07T10:30:00.000-04:00

Although there were a few days where it was almost COOL outside, the Michigan weather and water temperatures didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful lake shore. The water was chilly but nice and shallow as well as rocky which made for some fun splash time in the water for the kids while us adults mostly looked on!

Petoskey Sunsets

2011-07-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

Yes, this topic deserves its very own post! Enough said!

Mackinac Island

2011-07-05T10:12:00.003-04:00

Probably the highlight of our Michigan trip for me, we took a ferry on our third day to the small island of Mackinac. This town is absolutely GORGEOUS with a large fort, an enormous hotel, wonderful shops and homes and NO CARS! On Mackinac, we sampled fudge, shopped, toured the fort and Grand Hotel and best of all, rented bicycles and biked the 8-mile loop around the island. The views were amazing and there was even an ice cream and lemonade stand halfway around to take a break. I HEART Mackinac!

Ferry ride over--it was CHILLY!

Nanny on her bike

Family photo on Mackinac

Girls' bike
The boys' ride

Fourth Fairy

2011-07-04T14:04:00.000-04:00

After finding her first "wiggler" the previous Wednesday, Kinsey FINALLY lost her first tooth. She has patiently waited and watched as all her classmates have lost them for the last two year. The fairy, named Pearl E. White, brought Kinsey two, gold, one dollar coins and a tiny horse box for the future teeth to go in.

Fabulous Fourth

2011-07-04T10:00:00.001-04:00

For the 4th of July this year, we hopped a plane and headed north--WAY north to the tip of Michigan. Petoskey was the quaint lake town and the occasion was my cousin Abbie's graduation celebration. We had a wonderful time exploring the new area.

We arrived on the third and spent the day getting to know the town and of course the shops and restaurants.

On Independence Day, we headed about 10 minutes north to the lovely town of Harbor Springs to an awesome 4th parade. After spending the afternoon there, we came back to Petoskey for a beautiful firework show over Lake Michigan. We were able to see two shows at once--one in Petoskey and one directly across the bay back in Harbor Springs.

With Nanny on our porch

Waiting for the Harbor Springs Parade

Harbor Springs Yacht Club

Heading to the park for the fireworks

Waiting for the fireworks shows

Sick (and tired)

2011-06-29T13:00:00.004-04:00

My children don't get along very well these days. Really, they don't. In fact, this is about the closest I have seen them to each other without a hand or foot touching the other or cross words or tattling coming out of their mouth.

OK, so really, it's not quite as bad as I make it out to be, but sometimes I catch myself telling them how "sick and tired" I am of all the arguing which reminds me of one of my favorite Bill Cosby stand-up routines.

Around the 6 minute mark you'll see the segment!

TRR2011

2011-06-26T23:22:00.004-04:00

It was a gorgeous weekend to take yet another trip to the NC mountains this weekend. Saturday morning, we went with Granny and Sherry to Tweetsie, enjoying our season pass again. We were sooo thrilled to get to meet up with cousin Greg and his sweet girls, Mary and Caroline for the afternoon. The kids both loved the girls, had a big time and can't wait to go back again!

Big Apple Adventure

2011-06-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

The kids second week of VBS--this week at our own church. What a fun week it was!

Clear Creek Ranch 2011

2011-06-20T21:56:00.003-04:00

Make your own slideshow

Lady Liberty

2011-06-09T20:33:00.003-04:00

This is what the kids came home from "Vacation Bible School: Big Apple Adventure" looking like! Thanks for a great week MHBC!

Rewind...

2011-06-09T11:39:00.005-04:00

...about 3 years ago to when Max had his ear tubes put in. Today, after enough time of them NOT falling out on their own, Max went in for his second "surgery" on his ears, but this time to have them removed. Although not NEARLY as entertaining as him having the goofy juice that gradually turned out tiny toddler into a drunken frat boy, he was given an inhalable anesthesia and the procedure went without a hitch!

Mountain High

2011-06-05T18:58:00.006-04:00

After three years of absence, the kids and I were so excited to get to go up to North Carolina with Jack this year for his family reunion. After Kinsey horse show Saturday morning, we traveled to Hot Springs and the small town of Shut In to see the Trent/Cook/Lamb side of the family. The kids had a great time getting to know some family members they don't get to see very often, and especially loved the "furry family" of baby goats and puppies!

After dinner, we took the kids to one of Jack's favorite childhood spots, the "Mill Pond" where we all played in the creek and built a dam. It was so cool to see Kinsey and Max play in the same place where Jack and spent his summertimes playing!

After a fun sleepover with Nan, Granddaddy, and Cousin Cindy we had a big breakfast and then the four of us went for a challenging hike to Lover's Leap and the Appalachian Trail.

"First Week" 2011

2011-06-02T18:17:00.004-04:00

When I was in high school, we would take a trip to the beach the first week after school let out. The goal was always to get to go to Myrtle, but most didn't earn the right to spend "First Week" at Myrtle until their junior or senior year. You worked your way up through the smaller, quieter, not-so-rowdy beache towns first. So I thought I would start referring to our annual trip to the Beaches beach house as "First Week" again, since it defintely is the prime beach location, especially in my adulthood.

The trip this year started a few days early for the kids as they hit Charleston/Mount Pleasant with Nanny and Papadad three days before me while I was still wrapping up my classroom swap. Mt. P was spent mostly enjoying pool time and yummy local seafood and also a fun outing to the Museum of the Lowcountry followed by lunch and cupcakes one morning.

Every year, there is something significantly unique about our week in Myrtle Beach and this year was no different. We were blessed with the presence of Peter and Kara, who have never been to the beach house and I have only seen a couple of times in the last decade! What a wonderful couple they are and the littlest cousins had so much fun with the two of them. Also, cousin David, who I've never shared beach week with, was there for the last couple of days.

Hanging out with cousins (my generation AND my kids') is definitely one of the best highlights of our little reunion week each year. We usually try and plan a big cousins' night out but because of a cranky, whiney, or sick kid or sheer parental exhaustion, it usually never pans out. This trip however, I managed THREE outings which were all wonderful. One lunch on the boardwalk complete with fruity frozen beverages, a night out at Mellow Mushroom with TONS of catching up and soul-spilling, and a fun, last-minute nighttime ride on the new SkyWheel--the southeast's largest ferris wheel.

In addition to the cousin time, I always love the time with Nanny and Papadad--especially the water slide and putt-putt, which we got to do both again this year. We tried a new water park since Myrtle Waves wasn't open for the season yet, and we LOVED Wild Water & Wheels. Max was just a centimeter tall enough (WITH water shoes on) to ride just about every slide. His favorites were "Dark Hole"--a tube slide that resembled Disney's Space Mountain on water and the Speed Racers, where Kinsey, Max, Papadad and I could all race head to head on straight slides laying on mats. Both kids improved at putt-putt this year, although Max's attention span only lasted the front nine and he was DONE when he noticed the pretty teenage gal in front of us on hole 11! Kinsey, however hit TWO holes-in-one!

Other highlights were of course Krispy Kreme morning, kite-flying with Tom, Colin and Whit, running with Peter and Kara and my beach run with Catherine, watching all the little boys play in the yard, "surfing" with sweet little Graham, reading of The Lorax, napping in the hammock with Kinsey, and the kids watching movies with Melissa.

The end of the week is always so bittersweet. Ready to get home after being gone close to two weeks and treasuring every memory made with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, especially those so far away, but also longing for more time to let our kids continue on the tradition that our parents started so long ago raising us as close cousins. As I unload and unpack, I am glad to see my own bed, but will miss our little bunkroom tonight and the sounds of all the little feet waking up and greeting the day tomorrow morning. Heres to memories and family--love you all!!!

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Bolshoi Benefit Weekend

2011-05-21T13:16:00.003-04:00

Friday night, we hooked up the camper and headed for the ATL. We had a super night grilling out and camping with several of Kinsey's riding buddies (minus an almost trip the the ER.) Then on show day, Kinsey racked up with a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and claimed overall Reserve Champ of her division.

Her pal Katie Reserved her division as well. Nice job to all the HP gals!

Buzz Buzz!

2011-05-16T16:22:00.005-04:00

Max's Spring Showcase was Sunday afternoon and he had everyone BUZZING! He did a great job and was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. Although I was nervous that he would get a case of stage fright and freeze up, he really seemed to enjoy himself and the spotlight!

Movie in the Park

2011-05-14T12:31:00.001-04:00

Saturday night, our community hosted an AWESOME event called Movie in the Park. All free to the public, there were bounce houses, face painting and games followed by the showing of Despicable Me on a huge, inflatable screen. The crisp weather that the weekend brought in made for a perfect picnic while the sun was up and a great chance to snuggle up with a big blanket for the movie. I can't wait to do this again!

Friday Night Lights

2011-05-13T13:29:00.000-04:00

A picture from our great seats at the Braves game Friday night with Cousins Alex, Anna and Baby Wookie-on-the-way! Thanks guys--we had a ball!

Super Star(fish)

2011-05-13T08:21:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Kinsey's first grade play at school. She played the role of a starfish and did a fabulous job of "singing and dancing, showin' off and prancing." Congratulations to all the little fish!

Beachy Bash

2011-05-12T16:25:00.000-04:00

Today was Max's last day at preschool! I can't believe how fast time has gone! He was so lucky this year to have the same two preschool teachers that Kinsey had, especially since one of them started the year Kinsey did and is retiring after this year!

At lunchtime today the kids had a huge end-of-the-year bash with water slides and water toys and games. Then they had a picnic lunch topped off with popsicles for dessert. All the kids had a big time and although we are looking forward to Pre-K next year, we certainly close this door with a bittersweet goodbye and say farewell to Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Susan. We love you!

Picture Day

2011-05-07T20:20:00.001-04:00

After Max's soccer game today, we decided to take our official team picture since on the real picture day it was storming bad and not all the team showed up.

Bridge

2011-05-03T16:30:00.001-04:00

Tonight, Kinsey graduated or "bridged" from a Girl Scout Daisy to a Brownie. The area troops celebrated with a spaghetti dinner and cake followed by the bridging ceremony where each girl walked over a bridge and then received her next level pin.

Good Kings Highlights

2011-05-02T17:33:00.001-04:00

Celebrate!

Kinsey's solo (the CD player died just after her part!)